Cuyabeno Amazon Jungle Tour

The Cuyabeno Amazon Jungle reserve consit in a tour though a complex of rivers, lagoons, and floating forest. This protected area is characterized by its high biodiversity and interrelationships between the species inhabiting the area. The Reserve’s geomorphology is a consequence of the rivers carrying sediment and materials from the Andes, principally by the Aguarico River. The huge volume of water cascading down from the mountains maintains the naturally high water levels ensuring that the river is navigable all year round. In the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, there are more than 10 monkey species, 500 bird spices, and an incredible record of 307 species of tree per hectare. There are two seasons, dry and rainy. The entrance is by fluvial (river)

In the Cuyabeno Amazon jungle reserve you will stay at The Siona Lodge, it has the best and one of the single most distinctive locations in the reserve, allowing for picturesque sunsets viewed across the large freshwater lake. Much of the wildlife you will see is dependent on the unique ecosystem the lake supports allowing some rare viewing opportunities, the Altitude varies from 200- 280 meters and the climate is humid tropical.

Cuyabeno Flora and Fauna

All large amazon mammals are present: the lowland tapirs, two species of deer, all Amazon cats, including jaguars and pumas, capybaras, two species of dolphins, manatees, both otter species, giant otter and neotropical otter, etc. Monkeys are represented by 10 species, while rodents and bats are represented by dozens of species, more than 500 species of birds have been observed. At the peak of the wet season, thousands of hectares of the forest become inundated, forming a paradise for an estimated number 350 fish species, two species of cayman, boa constrictors, and anacondas, while countless frogs and toads sing their never-ending concerts. Dolphins have been seen swimming deep in the inundated forest during high water, and an incredible record of 307 species of tree per hectare.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

The tour starts In Lago Agrio 8 am.

Note: It is also possible to fly in the morning the same day or travel by overnight bus (8-10 hours, $10). Transport to Lago Agrio is not included.

DEPARTURE TIME

8 am in Lago Agrio
*4 Days tours: Departures every Monday, Tuesday and Fridays*5 Days Tours: Departures every Monday and Thursday.

OPTIONAL FLIGHT/TRANSPORT

Flight to Lago Agrio where you will be picked up by a local guide at the airport, or picked up at D’Mario Hotel Pick up point if you start the tour from there

NOT INCLUDED

Dry Season: November to March(Approx.)Rainy Season: April to October (Approx.)Keep in mind that we are in the Equator and in dry season it rains less as it is in the rainforest, the difference is that in dry season the rivers are in low levels and there is less chance to see Pink Dolphins, the river levels are lower but still navigable, both seasons are great to visit.

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING:

A flashlight with batteries

Sunscreen, hat or cap, glasses

Insect repellent

A jacket or sweatshirt

Original Passport not a copy

Binoculars

Light pants and shorts

Long and short sleeve shirts

Swimsuit

Cap

Plastic bags

Comfortable shoes

1

Day 1: Departure

Reception in Lago Agrio at 09h50, and transfer to Cuyabeno River. Box lunch in the route. Here our Naturalist Guide will give information about the Reserve, important recommendations and other tips to begin the two hours navigation through Cuyabeno River to the Big Lagoon, where the Lodge is located. Along the river, you will find several species in its natural habitat as monkeys, toucans, parrots, insect, and the exuberant Amazonian vegetation. Arrival and check-in. Night walk in the primary forest to observe amphibians and reptiles for about one hour. Return to the lodge for a welcome cocktail and dinner. Accommodation in double rooms.

2

Day 2

After breakfast, departure to the Siona Indian Community of Puerto Bolivar, the largest ethnic group in the Reserve. During this tour, you will learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. You will be part of the elaboration of the Casabe; a local dish made of yucca (carbohydrates principal feed of the community). The trip takes 2 hours navigation downstream to get there, in the route will be possible to admire the existing fauna along the Rio Cuyabeno such as birds, monkeys, snakes, pink dolphins, tortoises, and many others. A visit to the Shaman is also included. This is a full-day excursion with Lunch in the Community. Return to the lodge. Night navigation for watching Caymans. Dinner. Accommodation in double rooms

3

Day 3

Breakfast. Trek in the primary rain forest for approximately 3-5 hours in the distance you will be able to explore the beautiful and complex tropical ecosystem. You will find the great variety of species of plants, trees and animal life. Lunch back at the lodge. In the afternoon navigation in the big lagoon, to enjoy the surrounding of the lake, and wait for a very special sunset. Dinner.

4

Day 4

Early in the morning before breakfast a bird watching excursion is optional. Breakfast and by 09h30 departure tour back to Lago Agrio to take your flight back.

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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that this is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, your physical condition, and safety.

About Barefoot

Barefoot Expeditions is an adventure travel company based in Ecuador and California, with unique trips all over Ecuador, The Galápagos Islands and Peru We are local operators with over 10 years of experience in Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands.